The 2015 ALA/AASL Election is quickly approaching. As many were not able to attend the AASL Candidates Forum at Midwinter, we wanted to use this public forum as an opportunity to introduce the candidates running for AASL offices. Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to this question: If elected, what will you do to advance AASL’s new mission to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning? Read their responses and vote beginning March 24. Melanie

Lewis, Candidate for Region 7 Director
Katie Williams, Candidate for Region 7 Director

Today we hear from:

Melanie Lewis, Candidate for Region 7 Director
If elected, I would work to fulfill AASL’s new mission by connecting the leaders of each state school library organization in Region 7 with the resources they need to transform teaching and learning. As schools transition to digital learning, it’s imperative that school librarians be equipped with the appropriate training and materials to enable them to effectively lead the students and staff at their school sites. As Regional Director, I would focus on listening to the needs and concerns of school librarians in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, communicate these needs and concerns to the AASL Board, and then endeavor to provide each state with the resources developed and/or endorsed by AASL to meet the expressed needs.

Katie Williams, Candidate for Region 7 Director
As someone who has witnessed a dramatic shift in the role of school librarians since I entered the field, I have learned that there are a variety of leaders who still haven’t fully grasped this shift. School district, community, and governmental leaders all play a part with us in transforming teaching and learning. However, before these leaders can use their power they have to know what a difference a school librarian can make in the learning process.

If elected, I will look for ways to highlight the work that school librarians are doing right now to make a difference in the quality of student learning. I will communicate regularly with the affiliate leaders in my region to learn of their accomplishments, as well as their concerns, in order to advocate for their programs.

My membership in AASL has dramatically changed my perceptions of my role, and has encouraged me to become an instructional leader in my own school district. Therefore I will look for opportunities to encourage working school librarians to become involved with AASL, so that they, too, can become visible leaders and embrace the changes that are happening in our profession. AASL has many tools and resources to help all of us in this area, and I will make sure that these are highlighted regularly to the affiliate members in order to help them grow into their shifting role.

Author: Frances Reeve

Categories: Community

Tags: election15